This hike was a pleasant surprise. I was originally planning on heading out to Gros Cap but time constraints warranted something closer. I had noticed trails running along and under the International Bridge on previous crossings and had been curious about what there was to see along them. Ii had never been down to see the famed St. Mary's Rapids up close and so I quickly decided that this day would be a good a day as any to give into my curiosity.

What I didn't know was that the trails are adjacent to the Sault Sainte Marie Canal National Historic Site, a site I didn't know existed! A hike with some history mixed in!! How could I go wrong?! The 2 mile loop began and ended at the old canal which was opened in 1897. Though no longer open to commercial shipping it does serve Canadian pleasure craft during the warmer months. I was not able to get inside any of the buildings but the park has numerous informational kiosks that help explain the history of the site. After filling myself up with a helping of history I set out around the adjacent islands to see what I could see...

Sault Ste. Marie Canal Trails, ON (10-28-09)

This hike began and ended at the Sault Sainte Marie Canal National Historic Site...a nice historical bonus to go along with a nice nature hike...

1895 Lock

This canal, or lock, was first constructed in 1895 completing a Canadian system of locks connecting Lake Superior to the lower lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Though closed commercially in 1987 it continues to serve pleasure craft sailing between the lakes...

1895 Lock

This canal, or lock, was first constructed in 1895 completing a Canadian system of locks connecting Lake Superior to the lower lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Though closed commercially in 1987 it continues to serve pleasure craft sailing between the lakes...This is the lock from the downstream entrance...

This structure was the old powerhouse located adjacent to the canal. Today it serves as the visitors centre (like the Canadian spelling:) for the historic site...

Stores & Blacksmith Building

This old building, located next to the powerhouse, was the stores and blacksmith building...all materials for maintaining the lock in its early days had too be produced on location...

Administration Building & Marine Post Office

This is the old administration building and marine Post Office...Today, it houses park offices and a gift shop...

1895 Lock

Crossing the old lock to get to the trails...

1895 Lock

Looking downstream as I cross the old lock...

1895 Lock

Looking upstream along the canal as I cross the old lock...

Attikamek Trail

Thus ends the historical part of the hike...now, off into the woods...

Attikamek Trail

I quickly came to this small, rather ugly little stream which bisects the first island...

Attikamek Trail

The woods here were quite crowded...at least a dozen little Chickadee's kept a close eye on me as I walked the trail...

Attikamek Trail

The woods here are not particularly pretty but the left over colors helped a bit...

Attikamek Trail

There were a number of these 'beaver' dams which created nice little ponds along the trail. I'm skeptical that they're natural, however, as I didn't see much evidence of beaver activity in the surrounding woods...

Fishermans spur trail

My goal was to get out to the St. Mary's Rapids...there's no defined trail out to them, but this path looked to be heading the right direction...

Fishermans spur trail

One of the larger ponds I passed...likely much prettier with leaves and blue skies...

Fishermans spur trail

A problem...I need to get to the other side...

Fishermans spur trail

I have no idea how I was able to stop and get this shot...crossing these shallows was a bit tricky...

Fishermans spur trail

Success!! I managed to pick my way along the right side of this shot and only got one foot wet...an acceptable loss...

Fishermans spur trail

Like I said before, there's no set trail out to the rapids, though the large numbers of fisherman that come out here have made a very convenient network of paths...

St. Mary's River

Trails end...I popped out along the river just across from this large building which I believe is part of the American locks...

St. Mary's River

Looking across the rather unimpressive St. Mary's Rapids...

St. Mary's River

Certainly not a wilderness experience...

St. Mary's River & International Bridge

Once upon a time the rapids here were quite impressive...the construction of the locks and adjacent power plants has cut down their flow considerably. You can still see how it would be difficult to take a ship of any size through here...

St. Mary's River

I spent some time wandering the shore along the rapids but was quite limited as to where I could go without hip waders...

Fishermans spur trail

Not sure how comfortable I'd feel camping here within plain sight of both border crossings...

Fishermans spur trail

Time to head back to the main trail...

Attikamek Trail

After successfully soaking my other foot I found myself back on the main trail which has some nice boardwalks...

Attikamek Trail

This little Rock Dove wasn't real pleased that I was walking on HIS boardwalk...

Attikamek Trail

A cute Mallard couple...

Attikamek Trail

Looking back at the large pond I had crossed earlier...

Attikamek Trail

A HUGE raven keeping watch over his territory...

Attikamek Trail

The setting of these beautiful wetlands against a background of steel was quite odd...